Bruce Springsteen has, throughout his career, touched on just about every genre of music from folk to rock and the blues. Ever since tackling an album of songs paying tribute to Pete Seeger, though, Springsteen's folksinger street cred has increased substantially. The question "Is Bruce Springsteen a folk singer?" is debatable, but while traditionalists sort that out, here's a look at some of Bruce's folkier moments. (See also Bruce Springsteen's Discography)
"Born in the U.S.A."
photo: Justin Sullivan/Getty Images`
Bruce Springsteen's "Born in the U.S.A." has become somewhat of a working class anthem. For that reason alone, it can easily be considered one of his earliest folk songs. There are few themes folkier than working class pride and patriotism, and this song nails both heartily. (From Born in the U.S.A., 1984.)
Got in a little hometown jam / So they put a rifle in my hand / Sent me off to a foreign land / To go and kill the yellow man
Got in a little hometown jam / So they put a rifle in my hand / Sent me off to a foreign land / To go and kill the yellow man
"The Ghost of Tom Joad"
This song from 1995 saw Springsteen alluding to the novel Grapes of Wrath about a family struggling to survive during the Great Depression. It was also a shout out to Woody Guthrie's song "Tom Joad" (purchase/download), which he wrote after seeing the film adaptation of Grapes of Wrath. Springsteen also teamed up with Pete Seeger to re-record the song for Appleseed Records' 10th Anniversary album Sowing the Seeds (purchase/download).Wherever there's somebody fightin' for a place to stand / Or decent job or a helpin' hand / Wherever somebody's strugglin' to be free / Look in their eyes Mom you'll see me
"American Skin (41 Shots)"
This song was released first on Springsteen's Live in New York City album in 2001. The lyrics deal with racism, classism, and violence. More specifically, they pay homage to Amadou Diallo, who was shot to death 41 times by NYPD after reaching for his wallet to show identification (the officers claim to have thought he was reaching for a gun).It ain't no secret / No secret my friend / You can get killed just for living / In your American skin
"Glory Days"
Speaking of working class anthems, "Glory Days" (from Born in the U.S.A.) is one of the finest next to "Born in the U.S.A." The song talks about starting life with such big dreams and high hopes only to find onesself swayed by the hard reality of having to make a living.Time slips away and leaves you with nothing mister but / boring stories of glory days
"Dead Man Walkin"
This song was Bruce Springsteen's contribution to the soundtrack of the 1995 film Dead Man Walking, about a death row inmate. In true topical folk song fashion, Springsteen sings from the point of view of a man who had committed crimes so heinous as to warrant the death penalty:Once I had a job I had a girl / But between our dreams and actions / Lies this world
"Streets of Philadelphia"
This song from 1993's Philadelphia film soundtrack featured a stark narrative telling the story of loneliness and isolation in the middle of a large city. The stripped-down arrangement saw the Boss alone with his acoustic guitar and harmonica, and fit beautifully with the story of the Philadelphia lawyer living with HIV/AIDS in the film. It earned Springsteen both a Golden Globe and Oscar for best song.Saw my reflection in a window I didn't know my own face / Oh brother are you gonna leave me wasting away / On the streets of Philadelphia
"57 Channels (And Nothin' On)"
This song, from 1992's Human Touch CD, is all about working one's way up in the world only to discover that money can't buy happiness. It's also an indictment of the entertainment industry and the lack of substance in the world. At the end of the song, Springsteen sings about shooting the television for being such a waste of space.My TV lay in pieces there at my feet / And they busted me for disturbin' the almighty peace / Judge said "What you got in your defense son?" / "Fifty-seven channels and nothin' on"
"Jesus Was an Only Son"
Songs that humanize Jesus are an old standard in the folk music world. Woody Guthrie did perhaps the best job with his working class hero story of "Jesus Christ" (purchase/download). But, Bruce Springsteen's "Jesus Was an Only Son" does a swell job just the same of taking one of history's most lauded figures and bringing him onto even grain with the average person.Now there's a loss that can never be replaced / A destination that can never be reached / A light you'll never find in another's face
"Devils & Dust"
"Devils & Dust," from the album of the same name (2005) tells the story of temptation and desperation, fear and retribution. In a sense, it's a poetic topical song about the darkness of living in a war-torn world, but it also smacks of introspection and an internal struggle. Its themes are complicated but its tone is universal.I got God on my side / I'm just trying to survive / What if what you do to survive kills the things you love / Fear's a powerful thing
"Tomorrow Never Knows"
"Tomorrow Never Knows" from Springsteen's latest release Workin on a Dream is a folky little love song tinged with a little classic country flavor. The lyrics are a short poem about romantic love and lifelong commitment.I carried you on my back / over the rusted spikes of that highway of steel / When no more thunder sounds, where the time goes / tomorrow never knows
